Jesus was firmly placed within not only humanity, but a context within humanity. He was born in Bethlehem, grew up in Nazareth, lived in Capernaum while in ministry (today’s passage), and died/rose in Jerusalem.
Peter had a wife and at least a mother-in-law. After the spectacle of healing her, Jesus actually ate food she served. He met and healed many people who were sick or infirmed.
Jesus put shoes on in the morning (okay, sandals). He had neighbors. He walked with people and talked with people. He got angry, sad, and grieved. He experienced joy and goodness and family.
It’s easy to forget these things when we pick apart these passages. But Jesus was - and somehow still is - human.
Matthew 8:14-17
Jesus went home with Peter and saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her. Then she got up and served them. That evening people brought to Jesus many who were demon-possessed. He threw the spirits out with just a word. He healed everyone who was sick. This happened so that what Isaiah the prophet said would be fulfilled: He is the one who took our illnesses and carried away our diseases.
Prayer1
God,
Lord of all power and might,
the author and giver of all good things:
Graft in our hearts the love of your Name;
increase in us true religion;
nourish us with all goodness;
and bring forth in us the fruit of good works;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
From the Book of Common Prayer, contemporary collect, Proper 17, the season after Pentecost.